Warriors Sign Center Biedrins To Six-Year, $63 Million Contract Extension

Oakland, CA (AHN) - The Golden State Warriors tightened their grip on center Andris Biedrins and kept him from crossing the Atlantic in a new six-year extension worth $63 million, ESPN reported Sunday.

The Warriors were aware of the ongoing trend that led to the exodus of NBA free agents, who chose heftier contracts to play in Europe. Atlanta's Josh Childress and New Jersey's Bostjan Nachbar have since left the NBA to play overseas for European professional leagues.

Biedrins could also command such hefty offers, especially because of his Latvian origin and his career year last season. He scored 10.5 points with 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 76 games as he made numerous starts at the center slot for the Warriors.

Golden State has also been busy with various off-season signings in a bid to make up for Baron Davis' transfer to the rival Los Angeles Clippers.

After luring swingman Corey Maggette to a five-year, $50 million deal, the Warriors have also picked up backup center and forward Ronny Turiaf from the Los Angeles Lakers and point guard Marcus Williams from the New Jersey Nets.

Golden State likewise matched the Clippers' offer for forward Kelenna Azubuike and gave guard Monta Ellis a six-year, $67 million contract extension three days ago.